Findlay Curtis is proving to be the difference-maker for Kilmarnock in their battle against relegation. The 19-year-old Rangers loanee scored a brilliant double in Saturday's 2-0 win over St Mirren, lifting Neil McCann's side four points clear of the play-off spot with two games remaining. His performance in Paisley was the latest example of a player who thrives under pressure, and it has reignited talk of a possible World Cup call-up for Scotland.
Curtis joined Kilmarnock in January after impressing at Rangers with three goals and two assists in 21 appearances, including standout European showings against Porto. At Rugby Park, he has flourished under McCann, who previously worked with him during Barry Ferguson's tenure at Ibrox. The winger has scored five league goals this season, matching the combined tally of four high-profile Rangers signings—Andreas Skov Olsen, Ryan Naderi, Oliver Antman, and Djeidi Gassama—a stat that underscores his impact during a difficult campaign.
Against St Mirren, Curtis was clinical. He had three shots, two on target, and both hit the net. His movement, composure, and willingness to take responsibility were evident throughout. BBC Sport Scotland pundit Scott Allan praised his maturity, saying, "It tells you he likes that responsibility. That's usually when you can see these players who have that wee bit extra, who want to take the ball under pressure, who want to go and be the guy that wins the game." Curtis also contributed defensively, with 45 touches, 24 passes at 67% accuracy, two key passes, one tackle, and two fouls won.
Kilmarnock's survival hopes now look significantly brighter. The win at St Mirren was a crucial swing in the relegation battle, and Curtis has played a huge part in lifting the team away from danger. McCann's influence has been positive for Curtis, with Allan noting that the manager wouldn't allow him to take his foot off the gas. Curtis himself acknowledged the benefit of the loan, stating he wanted to play as many minutes as possible and that Rangers are getting a much better player back when his spell ends next weekend.
The teenager's form has already caught the eye of Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, who included him in the squad for March's friendlies. Curtis made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Japan, playing 10 minutes. With the World Cup squad set to be announced in a few weeks, the question is whether he can force his way onto the plane. Curtis remains cautiously optimistic, saying, "Fingers crossed. Let's just see what happens. It will obviously be a massive thing if you get picked for a World Cup at 19 years old. I'll just keep on working away."
Allan believes Curtis can offer something different to Clarke's options. "It's very early in his career to be going to a World Cup, but we just don't have enough players throughout the squad who can come on and influence a game with that sort of pace and directness," he said. "It gives Clarke something to think about, and it allows Scotland a stage in a game where someone else can come on and get you up the pitch, which is going to be very difficult come the World Cup."
Curtis has quickly become a fan favorite at Kilmarnock, with supporters singing his name. After the St Mirren win, he was pushed forward by teammates to take the ovation from the traveling fans. His connection with the club is clear, and he has expressed sadness about leaving when his loan ends. But first, he has a job to do: secure Kilmarnock's top-flight status. If he continues this form, a World Cup spot could be the next reward for a player who has already outshone expectations.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
